IPNEWS: The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) Customs Department commemorated the 73rd International Customs Day (ICD) on Friday, January 24, joining customs administrations around the world in recognizing the vital role of customs officers in enhancing global security, facilitating trade, and fostering economic growth.
This year’s celebration was held under the theme: “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity.”
Former Grand Gedeh County Senator and Financial Management Consultant/CEO of the Financial Quality Group LLC, G. Alphonso Gaye, served as the keynote speaker at the event. In his address, Gaye emphasized the significant contribution of customs to economic development, calling on customs officers to remain focused on their core responsibility of revenue collection, which is integral to national growth.
In his speech titled “A Vibrant Customs Administration is Key to Economic Development,” Gaye urged LRA customs officers and officials to uphold integrity and professionalism, warning against actions that could undermine the effectiveness of revenue collection. He stressed the importance of customs as a mechanism for protecting national revenue and facilitating trade to foster a prosperous Liberian economy.
“Your work must be to protect revenue and facilitate trade for a prosperous Liberian economy and make the Customs Department a leading authority in the region and beyond,” Gaye remarked. He also encouraged the customs administration to remain dedicated to building a competent and innovative customs system that could further elevate Liberia’s position on the global trade stage.
LRA Commissioner General, James Dorbor Jallah, emphasized that revenue mobilization is central to Liberia’s development agenda.
He congratulated the Customs Department for exceeding its revenue target by 8%, noting that this achievement highlights the department’s resilience and dedication amidst numerous challenges. “This accomplishment is a significant step towards realizing the goals of Liberia’s Domestic Resource Mobilization Strategy (DRMS).” He Said.
“Our commitment to a fully digital customs system will further enhance efficiency, foster trade, and drive sustainable economic growth,” CG Jallah added, reaffirming the LRA’s commitment to improving digital systems within customs operations.
LRA Customs Commissioner, Saa Saamoi, also praised the tireless efforts of customs officers in the face of challenging working conditions. He highlighted recent accomplishments such as the training of officers under the Customs Security Program, the automation of customs systems, and LRA Customs staff’s active representation at international forum.
Saamoi urged officers to redouble their efforts in ensuring the collection of lawful revenue, as the LRA works toward the ambitious goal of reaching the one-billion-dollar mark in revenue collection.
The event, held in Monrovia, was attended by key government officials, members of the joint security forces, and business stakeholders. International Customs Day, established by the World Customs Organization (WCO) in 1953, marks the day of the inaugural session of the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) in Brussels, Belgium.
The celebration serves as a reminder of the critical role customs plays in facilitating international trade and securing national borders, while also driving economic growth and development.
